The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-07-31
HOW THE FLAG WAS LOST.
A Sumter County Confederate Has Story
to Tell-A Girls Way.

A Sumter County Confederate Has q story
Ten-A Girls Way.
Americas (Ga.) Republican.
was a regular rebel soldier in the confederate
army over four years, enjoyed it's triu mDhs. took
my part in its defeats to heart as much as any
one. starved. suffered, blec, froze ard melted
in winter aud summer under the glorious cross
of the South with heart as full of devotion as
child could have for mother or devotee to
his true and benefcent GOO. When first star led
out from the loveiest town in an adjoining
State, lovely daughter of the city gave a
confederate flag, made of silk. with the bars and
starry decorated cross, shining and cleaning
with gold and silver threads 1t was a pretty
thing, and l carried it hid in inside pocket,
for it was not larger than a Rentleman's hand
kerchief. / carried it wherever [ went. for
had promised to plant it on the Washington
monument ever got there.
While Lees army was encamDed near Cham
bersburg. Pa, one June afternoon strolled out
with Felix c.. and about four miles from camp
found a cozy retreat in a cottage inhabited by an
elderly lady and beautiful girl of about eigh-
teen years. We got good dinner and heard the
ladies deplore the war, for they had relatives
South with whom they spent the summer every
year until the war broke out. Now this pleasure
was debarred. While they were talking I went
a cool shade and soon fell asleep, and then
Felix, forgetting my presence. left me. About
two hours after was awakened by the young
girl and some one talking, and found that
wounded federal officer was her companion. They
did not know of my presence. and when they
ran upon me was awake and pretty much alive;
oo as ss ane oe Of
received at Cedar Run. and could
exchange civilities." We had pref
~ good talk and milk and bread where were
During the talk l exposed the flag. which
snatcned by the GIRL who exclaimed exultiuey,
II have captured q rebel dag and intend to keep
it," / begged for it. but she willfully shook her
head. / told her it was present from a dear
friend named Matte, and that she should not
hava it. Then she said: ''Wel rebel. siri my
nsfzs is Matte, good Union girl have my
hands on the mbem of treason, traitors flag.
and HI keep it or die!" and her eyes flashed
with fire. Il wish l were a man." she said
that I, too. might fight" l tried to snatch
the flag. but she too quick. and the officer
said pretty loudly. Here. sergeant. bring your
men quick" and it seemed as ii were surround
ed by four or five men in blue uniforms before
could turn around. The girl said. well.
lieutenant. you can keep your prisoner in the
cellar until you and your man have tea,D and led
the Soon 1 was locked up alone in a cellar.
wherein there was security, and the girl
laughed she waved the flag at l knew
that had to get out before supper over,
and as pondered over my position, a fear began
to creep over me that was to suffer a long
fnement in Yankee prison. After hour or
two an inner door opened and Miss Matte who
had stolen my flag. stood before me, candle in
hand. saying: 81 guess, Mr.. Rebel. that you
and can come to terms. You have
aud can trust you FL keep your flag and for
my love of friends in the South you shall go
free. Cousin Robert and his men eating"
/ went through the house, found their arms,
and taking off the caps. the tubes thor
oughly stole pistol that belonged to the officer
and started for the door while the young lady
was entertaining the soldiers. l thirty or
forty steps before they discovered nv absence,
when with yell they broke for their arms.
You can bet there was no shooting and / sped
onward fast as possible During my
toward camp two Dutch guards halted me, but
as they some distance off. l replied, L
don't understand" and kept running. The
Dutchmen joined the pursuers. but detach-
ment of Lomaxs cavalry approached and they
ran the other way. l have desire for the
return of that flag now. for it has been South
several times since the war and will come again
and again.